Cádiz, Spain

Full Transcript

Intro

Welcome aboard the TSJ CruisePod – your journey beyond the waves.

I’m your host, Thomas Sebastian Jensen.

Today, we’re visiting Cádiz, Spain – a sunlit city on the Atlantic coast that has been welcoming travelers for over three thousand years.

It’s one of Europe’s oldest cities, a place where every corner tells a story of seafarers, explorers, and timeless Andalusian charm.

City Overview

Cádiz was founded by the Phoenicians in the 12th century BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe.

Later, it flourished under the Romans and became a major trading center with the Americas in the eighteenth century.

Today, Cádiz remains an important port and a captivating city filled with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and a bright maritime spirit.

The city is home to about one hundred fourteen thousand people, and the local currency is the euro.

With its mild climate, sea breeze, and relaxed rhythm, Cádiz offers the perfect mix of history, beach life, and Andalusian energy.

Our Day in Port

Early in the morning, the MSC Euribia docked right in the port of Cádiz.

After breakfast, we stepped ashore and immediately spotted an empty hop-on hop-off bus waiting at the harbor gate.

For thirty-nine euros per person, the ticket included both the city tour and entrance to the cathedral – a great deal for a day of exploring.

We climbed to the open-top deck and began our sightseeing tour.

The route led along Avenida del Puerto and Plaza de la Hispanidad, where a grand monument celebrates Spain’s past.

One of the most striking sights was the Puerta de Tierra, the massive eighteenth-century gate that once separated the old town from the newer districts.

Our first highlight was the Cathedral of Cádiz, its golden dome gleaming in the sunlight and visible from almost anywhere in the city.

The bus continued along the coastline to Playa de la Caleta, a small romantic city beach framed by two fortresses.

We passed the Iglesia del Carmen, a beautiful baroque church, and then reached Plaza de España, home to the impressive Constitution Monument of 1812.

As the tour went on, we saw Playa Santa María and Playa Victoria, long sandy stretches loved by locals and visitors alike.

Fun fact: a famous James Bond scene with Halle Berry emerging from the water was filmed here – though in the movie, it was shown as Cuba.

After completing one loop of the route, we stayed on for a second round, just to take in the views again.

Then we got off at the cathedral for our included visit.

The Catedral Nueva, built over many decades starting in the eighteenth century, was bright, spacious, and full of beautiful details.

The twelve side chapels and the richly carved choir stalls left a lasting impression.

Afterward, we wandered through the narrow alleys of the old town, browsing small shops and soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Eventually, we caught the bus back to the port, still smiling from the experience.

Cádiz had shown us its many faces – ancient and modern, quiet and vibrant, historical and full of life.

Travel Tips

We were lucky – our hop-on hop-off bus was nearly empty, which made the tour extra comfortable.

If you can, sit on the sunny upper deck for the best views.

Switch sides from time to time – the city’s photo spots appear on both.

The hop-on hop-off route passes most of Cádiz’s highlights, and you can get on and off as you like.

Riding one full loop first is a great way to get your bearings before deciding where to stop.

The Cathedral of Cádiz is a true highlight and well worth a visit, especially since admission is often included in the bus ticket.

Inside, the light, color, and architecture combine into a majestic atmosphere.

If you prefer to explore on your own, the city center is only about two kilometers from the port, and the walk takes you through charming streets full of cafés and local life.

For those looking for a bigger adventure, consider an excursion to Seville, about one hundred twenty kilometers away.

The Andalusian capital is a masterpiece of history and style, with landmarks like the Royal Alcázar, famous for its Moorish arches, mosaics, and gardens.

Seville’s Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Europe, is another must-see.

From the Giralda Tower, a former minaret, you can enjoy stunning views over the city’s rooftops.

And if you have time, explore the Santa Cruz Quarter, with its narrow lanes, small courtyards, and cozy tapas bars that capture the true Andalusian spirit.

Outro

That’s all for today’s episode of the TSJ CruisePod.

I hope you enjoyed our visit to Cádiz, Spain – a city where the sea, history, and Andalusian lifestyle come together in perfect harmony.

Join me next time as we sail toward another fascinating destination on our cruise.

Until then – stay curious, and keep your heart open to the sea.